Why some retail stores are removing self-checkouts

Some big-box stores that previously embraced the self-checkout have recently ditched their machines and returned to an all-cashier format to help fight theft and to serve their customers better.

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[Mountain-Man-]

It's nice to have a few self-checkouts available if you're only grabbing one or two things, but most of the time I'll avoid them and deal with a person.

[lambo]

When you have a grocery cart full of items self-checkout becomes a big burden, they never give you enough space to temporarily store your scanned items.

[terrylynn]

I find this hilarious as a former cashier.

Want to know the actual motivation, THEFT in huge numbers.

Bottom line

[Max-ntho]

I find self-checkout is a way stores saving money by having customers do a job that should be performed by paid employees. As a customer, I always go to the checkout aisle manned with a cashier.

[Haircut]

Savings money on cashiers
But losing more than you saved by theft.

[GaudyMarko]

I like to think the increase in theft is just the cost of not paying employees.

[jaylove]

The problem is not having enough checkers, there should always be more cashiers on duty. Machine asking for a should be considered theft and robbery.

[BeccaHetrick]

There's only one reason to get rid of self checkouts.... THIEVES!!

[mrs.sherry]

I refuse to use self checkout. I would just leave and go elsewhere. The prices we gotta pay, we deserve to have someone doing that job.

[lindawisner]

I rarely use self checkout. More problems AND every self checkout station means someone doesn't have a job.

[TC-cdsm]

I actually like self checkouts. However, there are times when, not gonna lie, some folks already in self checkout are simply too slow. There are times when one person using the kiosk would take so long, a regular cashier could have checked out 2-3 customers by then.

I'm happy to see many chain stores here are limiting self checkout to 10 items or less.

[spartuz]

Personally I prefer dealing with a real person then a damn machine!!!

[navpreethundal]

As a retail worker i welcome this decision made by some stores. I don’t mind self checkouts but they must be limited for scanning 1-10 items . Not more than that. Number of self checkouts must be limited as well.

[susanb]

This is because they do not want to police theft. Stores are allowing shoplifting by not having enough staff and by police not responding to calls for shoplifting

[garymorris]

I did a self-checkout at Walmart this morning, and I ignored the employee asking to see my receipt on the way out, and I do this every time, if they have an employee for this, he or she can work at a register.

[dkarras]

It’s a better solution than stalking your customers throughout the store or accusing paying customers of steal / demanding to see receipts on the way out the door. I generally prefer a self checkout but I don’t prefer the hostile environment that some retailers have adopted upon implementing it. My local Shoppers is an awful place to go now & I was typically in there a few or more times a week. And yet Walmart, no issue except once I had somebody stand over my shoulder to watch me scan several of the same item. Hey retailers, if this is how you think you need to treat your customers I’ve got a proven solution for you… cashiers 🤦‍♂️.

[WHISTLEPEG]

I refuse to use them and no long shop at places forcing customers to use self checkout machines.

[Elizabeth-vwvb]

It's an invitation to shoplift. Plus rather talk to a live person than press a bunch of buttons.

[michaelsabados]

💵 They wanted us to go to their store to shop & do the checkout work ourselves (to save them money & fire workers) when we’re not employees at their store! 🔥

[whgmqkw]

On the other side, I’ve caught incorrect pricing many times by checking out myself. I check the monitor if something isn’t right and get assistance to correct the issue. Meanwhile countless customers were paying above what’s advertised.